Tuesday, December 15 2020 15:13

ArmInfo. The situation that developed after the second Artsakh war is very difficult, but this is not the end of the story. A well-known Russian entrepreneur and  philanthropist, one of the founders of the SKOLKOVO Moscow School of  Management Ruben Vardanyan said this in an interview with the 1in.am  portal.

He noted that we should recover and be reborn. "The crisis gave us  the opportunity to rethink the model that was in Armenia and  implement fundamental reforms. Now we are facing challenges and  crises, we need to overcome them," Vardanyan emphasized. According to  him, now there are 43 crises in Armenia, in order to overcome them,  two main tasks should be solved - to start making a strong-willed  decision and start to consolidate.

"There must be a willingness to implement the decisions, as well as  consolidation, since people with different knowledge can help to  implement solutions. Despite the fact that 43 crises cause a feeling  of hopelessness, they, nevertheless, can and must be resolved,"  Vardanyan stressed.

In his opinion, one should not expect the state to solve all  problems. He believes that those healthy forces are on the right path  that do not seek to find the culprits, but are trying to find  solutions from the current situation. And the Armenians in Armenia  and the Diaspora also have an opportunity to help this, " Vardanyan  stressed.

According to the entrepreneur and philanthropist, Armenia also needs  to overcome the crisis of confidence.  According to him, the main key  in restoring trust is transparency. He stressed that all political  disputes should be left aside. We need people, healthy political  forces that can consolidate and assist in governing the country.

"These people should be actively involved in the work and solve the  problems not only related to Artsakh, Armenia and Armenian, but also  the problems of regional significance. This requires a very strong  political team, regardless of the party affiliation of its members.  It is important that this team has a mandate from the people to make  decisions that are sometimes not very popular and sometimes very  painful. It is necessary to fight against the substitution of  concepts, narcissism, and dilettantism. I must say this honestly - we  do not have such a power that could solve these problems alone.  Therefore, we need consolidation," said Vardanyan.

He also stated that we have advantages in the educational sector,  which is extremely important today.  According to him, the Tumo  Center, American University, French University, Russian-Armenian  University have shown by their example that Armenia has the potential  and opportunities to implement various interesting projects.

In addition, Vardanyan noted that Armenia has certain competitive  advantages, as well as a strong Diaspora. "Previously, the  authorities urged the Diaspora to come to Armenia and make certain  investments, but at the same time demanded that they not try to  interfere in their affairs.

 Today we have to rethink our relationship with the Diaspora. The  Diaspora is also doing well, helping the country with small  charitable amounts. However, a completely new format of these  relations is needed.  Investments must be made and both parties must  commit themselves and take responsibility for interaction.  We are  the only country in the world that is located at the junction of 4  civilizations. We can play a very important role; we are a member of  the EAEU and have signed an agreement with the EU. We can become a  bridge between these two organizations," Vardanyan stressed.

He also noted that the country is able to profitably take advantage  of its advantages and develop cooperation, become a center, and  possibly a periphery. However, the periphery is different, the same  Armenia during the Soviet era was one of the most developed  periphery. "Armenia will have to resolve the issue of military and  social security. It is important to preserve identity, ensure  security, and make a prosperous country. This is a complex triangle,  and one of the three will have to sacrifice more than the other,  since it is difficult to implement everything together," Vardanyan  noted.

At the same time, in his words, it will be difficult for Armenia to  carry out serious reforms without attracting forces from abroad.  According to him, one person, regardless of his name, cannot  effectively govern the state. Vardanyan expressed confidence that  Armenia has a chance to create a country where Armenians from all  over the world would like to come and live.